Cicadas in mythology

Cicada lore and mythology is rich and varied as there are about 2500 species of cicada throughout the world, many of which are undescribed and remain a mystery to science. Cicadas have been prized as a delicacy,^[1] and are famed throughout the world for their song.

The cicada is an animal replete with symbolism: recurring themes are resurrection, immortality, spiritual realization and spiritual ecstasy. For the Ancient Greeks and Romans they sang ecstatically, were sacred to Apollo and related to the dionysiac bacchae and maenads.

^ Dalby (2003: p.86) states that: "The cicada was a better-known food in Greece than in Rome. The grubs or nymphs were nicer to eat than the mature insects, says Aristotle. Boiled cicada was recommended in the treatment of bladder disorders. The cicada is Greek tettix, Latin cicada."

[1] Dalby (2003: p.86) states that: "The cicada was a better-known food in Greece than in Rome. The grubs or nymphs were nicer to eat than the mature insects, says Aristotle. Boiled cicada was recommended in the treatment of bladder disorders. The cicada is Greek tettix, Latin cicada."

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